Admiring The Ascension Cathedral In Almaty

The Ascension Cathedral, also commonly refered to as Zenkov Cathedral, is an easy landmark for Almaty, Kazakhstan. Historic, unique, important and a stunning piece of architecture. It's got some cool stats to back up its significance. Let's see: Russian Orthodox, completed in 1907, made of wood without using nails and the second tallest wood church in the world. Landmark title earned!

It's also a beautiful, yellow cupcake. Front entrance view.

Steeple detail and a side view. Yummy from every angle.

Inside, they bring the bling.

Lighting a simple candle among a color riot. Priest portrait. So delicate with the fingers. And long with the beard.

Night falls on the cupcake, still emanating a glow. 

Admiring The Woodwork At Shwe In Bin Monastery

Head to Shwe In Bin Monastery in Mandalay if you want to see a fine example of traditional Burmese teak architecture. It's a woodworker's gem, delicately carved and put together in the ways of the old masters.

The delicate temple with the massive concrete staircase.

The inside altar area and Buddha detail.

Nice wood temple, nice wood furniture.

Beautiful carved figures with a nice dusting.

Perhaps the most impressive area is the underside, a sea of symmetrical red columns. No basement clutter to be found.